Prevalence and Sonographic Features of Incidental Thyroid Nodules in Maxillofacial Radiology: An EU-TIRADS-Based Risk Assessment

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Aim: Incidental thyroid nodules (ITNs) are frequently discovered during imaging for non-thyroid-related reasons, with ultrasonography (US) serving as a key tool for their detection and risk assessment. This study aims to determine the prevalence and sonographic characteristics of ITNs in patients undergoing head and neck ultrasonography for non-thyroidal indications at a maxillofacial radiology clinic, using the European Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (EU-TIRADS) for risk stratification.Material and Methods: Patients referred for head and neck ultrasonography for indications unrelated to thyroid pathology were included in this study. Patients with known thyroid disease, palpable thyroid masses, prior thyroid surgery, or head and neck radiotherapy were excluded. Thyroid nodule characteristics, including size, composition, echogenicity, margin, shape, and vascularity, were evaluated. Risk stratification was performed using the EU-TIRADS system, and nodules with suspicious features were referred forfurther evaluation, including fine-needle aspiration cytology.Results: A total of 170 patients aged between 17 and 72 years (mean age: 29.35 years) were evaluated. Incidental thyroid nodules were identified in 49 patients (28.8%). Nodules were present in 24.29% of males (n=70) and 32% of females (n=100). Among the patients with nodules, 3 patients (6.12%) were diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and 13 patients (7.7%) were referred for endocrinology consultation due to thyroiditis, hypoplasia, or hyperplasia.Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of opportunistic thyroid evaluation in patients undergoing head and neck ultrasonography for non-thyroidal reasons. With a 28.8% prevalence of incidental thyroid nodules, early detection through such opportunistic screening may facilitate timely management of suspicious lesions.